Imagine climbing over a thousand feet of gorgeous granite with stunning mountain scenery everywhere you look. That is what it’s like when you climb in Cirque of the Towers, one of the premier backcountry climbing areas in the lower 48 states.
Why You Should Climb in Cirque of the Towers
Climbing in Cirque of the Towers is a truly special adventure featuring pristine granite climbing in an absolutely extraordinary setting in the Wind River Range of Wyoming. One of the best things about Cirque of the Towers is that you can hike in and set up at a single basecamp which offers access to multiple classic routes.
Outpost Wilderness Adventures has guided in the Cirque of the Towers since the 1980s, and it’s an incredible experience each time we visit. Our guides are always stoked to share this amazing place and help you achieve your goals of summitting one of the classic routes.
Guide to Climbing in Cirque of the Towers
If climbing in this spectacular spot is on your bucket list, here’s what you need to know about climbing in Cirque of the Towers.
Where is Cirque of the Towers?
Cirque of the Towers is situated in the Wind River Range in Wyoming. It’s approximately a 3 hour drive from the town of Lander or 2 hours from the town of Pinedale to the Big Sandy trailhead. From there, it’s more than a 10 mile hike at over 10,000 feet into the backcountry to reach the Cirque and set up basecamp.
When to Climb in Cirque of the Towers
Like most alpine climbing destinations, the Cirque of the Towers is best climbed in the summer once the snow has melted. Snow can still stick around in June at this elevation, so July and August is peak climbing season for the Cirque of the Towers, though it is also peak season for afternoon thunderstorms. Climbing in the Cirque in September can still be possible, but early winter storms can blow in that time of year.
Classic Routes in Cirque of the Towers
Cirque of the Towers is full of amazing alpine routes, including two of the 50 classic climbs of North America.
East Ridge of Wolfs Head
Despite its 5.6 rating, the East Ridge of Wolfs Head is a real and committing alpine climb and a fantastically fun route. This 1,000 foot climb follows the knife blade edge of the peak and leads to spectacular summit views that you definitely won’t forget.
Northeast Face of Pingora
Pingora Peak stands prominently on the west side of Lonesome Lake, and this 1,200 foot route up it is a classic for a reason! The Northeast Face of Pingora is 5.8+, and it is consistent and sustained climbing for the grade – and an absolute blast! It’s definitely one of the most popular routes in the Wind River Range, if the not the most popular, so you might not be alone on it.
Necessary Skills for Climbing in Cirque of the Towers
If you want to take your climbing skills into the mountains, there is no better place than the Cirque of the Towers deep in the heart of the Wind River Mountains. Climbing in the alpine rock demands a broader skill set than single-pitch cragging or even multi-pitch climbing. Outpost Wilderness will put you in the capable hands of our Cirque of the Towers climbing guides to help you learn the skills for successful alpine climbing.
Before your trip into Cirque of the Towers, it’s important that you already possess certain skills which you can build on in this backcountry climbing environment. You must be familiar with essential climbing knots, be able to lead belay and have some backpacking experience. You should be in great physical shape as the hike in is strenuous and you will be climbing at an elevation above 10,000 feet. Ideally, you’ll have experience at that altitude before attempting to climb in Cirque of the Towers.
It’s helpful if you have experience placing or removing traditional climbing gear, some anchor building experience, and some experience following multi-pitch climbs. That way you can spend more time building your alpine climbing toolbox and enjoying the incredible climbing in Cirque of the Towers.
For a rundown of what to expect on a guided climbing trip in Cirque of the Towers, check out this trip report by OWA guide Thomas Gilmore detailing his experience leading guests in the Cirque.
Additional Adventures Near Cirque of the Towers
Before or after your trip to Cirque of the Towers, you should definitely spend some time in Lander. If you need any gear before you head out to the Wind Rivers, the local gear shop, Wild Iris Mountain Sports has you covered. Plus, they are definitely the ones to ask about current conditions in the Cirque. After your adventure, Gannett Grill & Lander Bar is THE place to celebrate a successful time in the Cirque with tasty burgers (or pizza) and local beer.
And if you have extra energy after a few rest days in Lander, you can head up to Sinks Canyon for some chill cragging. Sinks contains a variety of rock from granite to limestone to sandstone, so it has something for everyone, including both sport and trad.
Or visit Wild Iris for something completely different than the epic granite climbing of Cirque of the Towers – single-pitch limestone sport climbing! The mostly vertical walls of white dolomite provide a paradise for sport climbers in a lovely setting. While the views might not compare to Cirque of the Towers, it’s a worthwhile stop for some extra climbing when you’re in the area.
Let OWA take you on the adventure of a lifetime in Cirque of the Towers, and spend 5 days exploring this incredible place – one day to hike in, three unforgettable days of climbing, and one day to hike out.